How to Write for Cash While You’re Still in College

By Christina Jedra

Ed knows that it’s tough for collegiate writers to make enough money to indulge in the magazine stand when the media landscape full of unpaid internships. But there are a few places that pay and don’t mind that you’re still in school.

USA Today College hires correspondents every semester (spring, summer, and fall) to write weekly news articles about college life. The program involves an application, test article, and an interview, and selection is competitive—they only accept a small number of students per cycle. But if you’re in, they’ll pay you upon completion of the program. Perks include your byline’s appearance with a major national brand, weekly mentorship calls, and the opportunity to network with other student journalists across the country.

xoJane is always looking for “ brutally honest and radically transparent” personal stories that inspire their readers, and they pay about $50 for a post.

The Hairpin accepts original, unpublished work that fits the vibe of their site, which they describe as “a low-key cocktail party among select female friends.” Pitch two or three grafs of your idea, and follow up if you don’t hear back right away. They pay all contributors.

Turn your study abroad experience into cash. TransitionsAbroad.com hosts an annual student writing contest that offers $500 to the first place winner. Second place, third place, and a runner up get $150, $100, and $50, respectively.

Chicken Soup for the Soul accepts uplifting person essays on a variety of topics for their themed short story anthologies. If you write a first person narrative for them that is chosen for publication, they’ll pay you $200 and 10 free copies of the book your work appears in.

Sex, etc., a magazine and website, is written by and for high school and college students 19 and younger. Submit compelling and educational copy about sexuality and sexual health for a teen audience and make $75 an article.

Image source: needlegirlhaystackworld.com